Fresh Profile: Civil Engineering Jobs

Published on 2008-08-11

Civil engineers help create the infrastructure of the modern world. Civil engineering jobs involve the application of math and mechanical skills to the designing, planning and supervision of the construction and maintenance of roads, buildings, subdivisions, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, sewage systems and other structures.

A civil engineer usually begins a project by designing the main features. Civil engineers incorporate numerous factors during the design process, such as the construction costs, the expected lifetime of a project, government regulations, and potential environmental dangers such as earthquakes and hurricanes. While architecture jobs deal mostly with the artistic elements of a structure, civil engineers are responsible for making sure it functions and endures.

Civil engineering jobs are categorized in six different disciplines: structural, transportation, geotechnical, environmental, water resources and construction. In structural work, engineers make meticulous calculations to ensure that the design meets the proper structural requirements. In some cases, structural engineers supervise on the construction site and inspect the condition of the structure. Engineers involved in transportation will design streets and highways and determine ways to improve traffic. They may write reports on environmental impact and population growth or use statistics to predict future transportation needs. Geotechnical engineers deal with all types of geological issues. Fields within geotechnical engineering include soil mechanics, rock mechanics and hydrogeology.

In 2006, civil engineering provided more jobs than any other engineering specialty, with 256,000 jobs nationwide. Employment opportunities for civil engineers can be found within the city, county, state and federal governments. Engineers are also employed by private companies and consulting firms, or they can be independent consultants. While jobs in some engineering specialties are concentrated in a particular industry or geographical area, job listings for civil engineers are broadly dispersed nationwide throughout a variety of industry sectors.

A Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering is usually required for entry-level positions. Civil engineers take courses in chemistry, physics, drafting and computer science. Engineers rely heavily upon computer technology for drafting and design, and knowledge of the latest software is important. Engineering jobs for graduates include internships or positions as junior engineers. With more experience, junior engineers can move up to assistant or associate positions. Senior-level or management jobs usually require anywhere from 5 to 10 years of experience.

When searching for a career in civil engineering, make Fresho.com your first stop. Our extensive online classifieds can link you to civil engineering jobs in California, New York, or anywhere else in the U.S.